Buncombe County Schools officials check roads, cancel Friday classes

by Raphael Pires

Buncombe County assistant superintendent Joe Hough said road conditions were just too slippery in too many areas, making school Friday a risk officials weren't willing to take. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)

Buncombe County assistant superintendent Joe Hough said road conditions were just too slippery in too many areas, making having school Friday a risk officials weren't willing to take.

Hough said Buncombe County Schools officials worked throughout the day Thursday, checking on the road conditions. They ended up with a list of 10 potentially problematic locations, many of them main bus routes.

"We're always going to act in the best interest of safety for our students," he said.

Hough said informing parents as soon as possible is a priority.

"We give them an opportunity to plan for their day tomorrow with any child care or anything of that nature," he said

Hough said he expects problems to come in the morning after the snow that melted Thursday freezes and becomes black ice over night.

Parent Raymond McElreath agrees.

"The roads out there are still pretty icy. I just came up this road, and, if I didn't have four-wheel drive, I wouldn't be able to go up it," he said.

McElreath, who has five kids in Buncombe County Schools, said he's thankful he doesn't have to face the slick roads.

But the school closures have some students conflicted.

"Yay, because we get no school. But I like school, so boo, also," second-grader Makenna Whitted said.

And, if you're not as lucky as local students and have to drive tomorrow- some advice..

"Just be careful and drive slow and watch what you're doing," McElreath said.